What Can Ancient Cities Teach Modern Urbanites?

These 15 ancient cities can help modern urbanites plan more efficient and sustainable municipalities.

1 minute read

January 30, 2014, 11:00 AM PST

By NicoleFerraro


"A study at a US university is the latest to use ancient cities to mine secrets for today's urban centers.

Funded by the US National Science Foundation, a team of scientists at the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University (ASU) have embarked on a survey of ancient cities titled "Service Access in Pre-Modern Cities."

"The study aims to discern patterns of access to markets, worship sites, and other urban facilities that existed in ancient, non-Western urban areas," writes Mary Jander.

"By looking at archeological records and other data, the ASU team hopes to see how old cities planned access to these services by social class or other factors. In turn, this information could help modern cities set policies about access to similar services that affect the use of resources such as water and energy."

Jander goes on to discuss 15 ancient cities and the lessons they impart on cities of the 21st century.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Future Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Orange and white vintage-look streetcar on Market Street in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024

The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

15 minutes ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Green and silver Max BRT bus at station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding

In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

1 hour ago - Colorado Public Radio

Low view of separated bike lanes in middle of Pennsylvania Avenue with U.S. Capitol dome visible at end of street at night.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy

The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.

2 hours ago - Grist